“Ashley's a skillful storyteller, and our conversation is probably one of the most soulful conversations you’ll hear on this podcast, but that's only part of the reason why I want you to listen to this episode. I want you to listen because Ashley does a very important thing. She liberates us from the pressure of pitching, creating, and producing constantly. In our world, the legitimacy of who gets to call themselves a writer, a photographer, a storyteller, a creator comes from doing it full-time. In this episode, Ashley and I break that apart and lift that expectation from our wary shoulders.

Beyond that, we discuss what working with Pilgrim Magazine looks like and why, if you have even the slightest kernel of an idea, you should absolutely pitch Ashley…

This episode is one of my favorite episodes to date on our podcast, hands down, and I hope you enjoy it.” — Yulia Denisyuk

“My grandfather once told me he regretted not seeing the Redwoods in his lifetime. So when he died, I took my first journey to Northern California to scatter his ashes among the oldest and most majestic trees in the world. Years later, I took our old dog Timber's ashes to the same tree outside of Orick where I laid grandad to rest years ago.

Since, I've revisited this grove many times. There's a little general store just south of Bald Hills Road, and it's become my tradition to stop there as I head north for a chocolate malt (grandad's favorite), local jerky (to leave for Timber) and a bouquet of hand-cut peonies (courtesy of the owner I befriended a decade ago and her beautiful gardens). Every time I revisit this tree, her gnarly limbs are like a hug for the soul. Time stands still in her shade, from which I've cried many tears.”

Texas ambassador for Origin. Magazine and Michael Franti’s Soulshine tour, featured in the May 2014 print issue:

“My soul's illuminated by the freedom of the open road...windows down, wind-messed hair, maximum volume, dog copilot in the backseat, ‘lost’ being our destination. Hydrated by experience and perpetual curiosity, curating stories, lessons, and unexpected discoveries—as told by locals, vistas, and sound waves—is my soul's chief mission.”